Gena Heraty, the Irish lay missionary and humanitarian who was kidnapped August 3, 2025, along with seven Haitian nationals from an orphanage, was released by her kidnappers, said August 29 statements from the Irish government as well as the organization she worked for in Haiti.
"We are so delighted to be able to share that Gena, and all those taken with her, have been released following their kidnapping on August 3, 2025, from the St. Hélène property in Kenscoff, Haiti," said a statement from the Heraty family that was published by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The family was "relieved beyond words" at her release nearly a month after being kidnapped, and "are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return."
"The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us at all has been a huge source of comfort and support," said the Heraty family.
The family added that they would not make any additional comments regarding Gena out of concern for her well-being and that of the children she cared for.
"We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there," said the family.
What we hoped for
The release of Heraty and the other kidnapping victims was "the outcome we had all hoped for," said a statement from Simon Harris, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. (In Ireland, the Tánaiste is roughly equivalent to the role of deputy prime minister.)
"I want to sincerely thank all those who played a part in securing their release, including Gena’s colleagues at Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, the local community representatives, Haitian authorities, An Garda Síochána, our UN and European partners and the many officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their tireless work to achieve this result," he said.
Harris further credited the Heraty family for "their resilience and determination to support Gena and her fellow captives over these past difficult weeks."
"Gena is a respected humanitarian and deeply courageous person who has dedicated her life to supporting the most vulnerable people in Haiti," said Harris.
He continued, "This is a timely moment to recognise the work of all Irish humanitarians and missionaries working in challenging contexts and providing life-saving support in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and beyond. While we welcome this news, it is also important that we do not lose sight of the challenges facing the people of Haiti."
Haiti dangers
Heraty has lived and worked in Haiti since 1993. She is the co-founder of "Kay Christine," a home for children and adults with neurological conditions and special needs, said the website for Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs.
Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs operates the St. Hélène Foyer, which is home to more than 400 children. The complex includes schools, a chapel, as well as the Kay Christine facility.
Heraty, along with seven others, including a 3-year-old child, was kidnapped by armed gunmen on August 3, from St. Helene.
The others kidnapped alongside Heraty "have now been released and reunited with their loved ones," said a statement from Nos Petits Frers et Soeurs.
"We would like to thank the families and friends of the NPH and St. Luke Family, and all those who have provided support and prayers in recent days," said the statement, adding that the on-site hospitals would now re-open.
The situation in Haiti continues to be dire.
In March 2025, William O’Neill, the United Nations’ human rights commissioner’s expert on Haiti, described Port-au-Prince as an “open-air prison,” said the Associated Press.
“There is no safe way to enter or leave the capital except by helicopter,” said O’Neill. “Gangs are invading previously safe neighborhoods, killing, raping and burning houses, businesses, churches and schools.”
